This website uses cookie profiling by third parties to show you advertisements that you may find appealing. If you would like to find out more or if you would like to disable the use of cookies, please click here. If you click on any other element on this website and NOT on the link above, you automatically agree to the use of cookies.

Barbara - 52 years oldRelaxation for the whole family is guaranteed at the Hotel Maria

1 portion of relaxing and 2 of chilling, please

To my question of what he would recommend for us as a way to enjoy two relaxing days, Mr Kofler suggested a trip exploring nature, namely the Latemar.ium (link). Excellent! That is exactly why we are here, to experience two days in the midst of the mountains. We here means myself, my 13-year old daughter and her friend of the same age. So off we set.

As the weather forecast is uncertain, we take the short cut using the Oberholz chairlift. In just a few minutes we reach the 360° observation platform. Unfortunately the clouds block our view into the distance and down to the Trentino and the Paganella and Brenta massifs, or of the more distant regions of South Tyrol: the Ortler range and the Zillertaler Alps, to name just a few. But there are the unmistakable peaks of the Schwarzhorn and Weisshorn, as well as the other nearby mountains. On the way to the Maierl Alm hut, information panels let us into the natural secrets of the mountain world of the Latemar range. But more important is the time we have for ourselves. We walk, run, saunter, sit, talk, keep silent, laugh… in nature life becomes so natural, so actual. Here there is time and space to be.

Light of step, light of thoughtOur steps lead us back to the hotel. We remain quiet, make our way to our room and sample the peaceful wellness area of the Hotel Maria. Sluggish spirits liven up in the warm waters of the indoor pool, young legs rise up out of the water, fall over, there is a quiet snoring, girly giggling, while I let my thoughts drift off outside on the sun lounger. The fresh smell of the pastures sets me thinking of my breathing, of my own body, and all remaining stress entirely disappears as I relax.

Zucchini soup or a melon & basil drink?With not a moment’s hesitation all three of us chose the drink and we first sip, hesitant and curious, then suck with surprised delight at the straw as we enjoy the unusual combination of fruity sweetness and basil. Good food brings the generations together.

Step by stepI catch Robert early in the morning servicing the bikes. He is responsible for both the bikes and the bike tours through the mountains. He refuses to compromise: during training in riding techniques, he assesses the fitness of his guests in order to select routes for the next days that will match their level. But the clouds massed and the heavens opened. No sooner had the lightning flashed than the thunder roared over us. We had no option but to retreat.A good walk is half the battleThe girls spent the short intervening time inspecting the aquarium, then went into the hotel kitchen with the two childcare assistants Silvia and Nadine and the much smaller children. Flour, water, yeast, a spoonful of honey… no more is needed for kneading practice. Leaving the dough to rest is the hardest part, just as it is for us: only through peace and quiet can we find new energy.

With the still warm bread we set off again, this time for home. We continue to feel the inner peace even as we get into the car, chatting and laughing. “What did you like most?” I ask the girls and think of the relaxed time I spent, which seems like a week’s holiday. As one they both say: “Chilling”. It seems that there is no conflict between the generations when it comes to the better things in life!